Top Five - Autumn/Winter Nail Polish

Hi all,

Back in June I started a 'Top Five - Autumn/Winter' style post for makeup and beauty items I'm loving. As we are nearing the end of August, spring is now on its way. I thought I better get my posts in before winter leaves us. 

This post is all about Autumn/Winter nail polishes! Although I always have a weakness for hot pinks, mint greens and glitter polishes I also enjoy merging into cooler, richer tones for the cooler months of the year. I've picked five of my favourite Autumn/Winter nail polishes spanning numerous brand names. Here we go!

Revlon, Models Prefer, Australis, & L'Oreal nail polish

Revlon Top Speed in '730 Royal'

Revlon 'Royal'  - x2 coats applied

Revlon Metallic in '932 Copper Penny'

'Copper Penny' - x1 coat is all that is needed

Models Prefer in 'OK11 Role Model'

'Role Model' - x2 coats applied

Australis Nail Colour in '51082 Kick The Bucket'

'Kick The Bucket' x2 coats applied

L'Oreal  Resist & Shine Titanium in '737' Makes me sad when they aren't given a name :(

'737' x2 coats applied

It has tiny flecks of gold and a hint of peridot green in the sunlight

Let me know what you think! :)

Have you tried any of these nail polishes? What are you favourite colours for autumn/winter?


x.k

July/August 2012 Favourites

Hi everyone,

What's that you say...."July Favourites? But it's well into August!?"

I know - this month has been crazy busy and all I can say is "better late than never, right?". So I've decided to incorporate my July & August favourites as my August favourites is due in only a weeks time :) Hope you don't mind.

In July/August I continued my goal to simplify my beauty routine. Therefore, I haven't incorporated too many new products into my routine. I've been impressed with how my routine is working for me so far and I've enjoyed all the products included in my July/August 2012 Favourites. After receiving your feedback from last months 'June 2012 Favourites' you stated that a small paragraph about how the products work for me is preferred, so that's exactly what you are getting :)

As always let me know what your recommendations are for the months of July/August, and/or your experiences with any of these products. I always love to hear your opinions.

  July/August 2012 Favourites

       Makeup Products

• Rimmel 'Wake Me Up Foundation' in True Ivory

What can I say? I LOVE this foundation! At first I was dubious when I read its slogan of 'radiant glow', my mind immediately thought "grease-factory!'. I have combination/oily skin but I find this foundation provides fantastic oil-free medium to build-able high coverage, especially when set with a powder around the t-zone. I have a feeling this will be a definite repurchase item in my collection.

• John Galliano 'Parlez-moi d-Amour' perfume

'Excuse me, my love' has clear and intense blueberry notes with juicy mandarin and sweet raspberry. Heart notes of jasmine and rose, enriched with lavender, and a base of patchouli and vetiver softened with vanilla. I enjoy this perfume - it's one of those you can just pump a few spritzers onto your wrists (or where ever you put it) and run out the door. Also, how adorable is the packaging? An envelope, love it!

• Essie 'Sand Tropez' nail polish

You may recognise these Essie nail polishes from my recent 'Essie Nail Polish Haul + Haul' I featured in a post a few weeks ago. You can see this post with swatches HERE . Sand Tropez is described as a soft sandy beige and that's exactly what you get. In some lights is comes off as a grey taupe too!

• Essie '3-way glaze'

I've found the 3-way glaze works really well with both Essie and other brand name nail polishes. It provides great cover as a base coat and also gloss for a top coat. It usually makes my nail polish last about 4-6 days with NO CHIPPING! Amazing!

• MAC ' eye shadow in 'Shimmermoss'

I've been loving this colour in July/August! This shadow is a Veluxe Pearl and offers highly pigmented payoff. I mostly use it as a pop of colour on the inner corner and lower lash line. Great pigmentation and brightens up the eye area significantly. Here's my birthday makeup look I used a few weeks ago for my night out with friends!

• elf 'Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder'

This product has been in my monthly favorites before, and for good reason. A fantastic little compact to take with you in your handbag as it has both a contour and cheek blush + big mirror for application. In my opinion both colours are very reminiscent of NARS 'Laguna' (brown contour) and NARS 'Orgasm' (peachy-pink blush). It is available for only AUD$9.99 from the elf website - check it out!

• LUSH 'It Started With A Kiss' Lip Tint

Although I love this colour and the bright cherry red colour it offers, I'm a bit sad that my lip tint is drying out. I bought this cute little tin from LUSH back in January - so I guess I have had a good 7 months use. Apart from that I'm still using this product and every time I do I am impressed with its staying power and yummy scent.

• Sigma 'Eye Shading E55 Brush'

This is BY FAR my favourite eye shadow tool by Sigma! It's size is perfect to cover the eyelid area without to much fuss. It is super soft and gentle on the eye area. Winner!

• Sigma 'Blending E25 Shader Brush'

The Sigma Blending E25 brush is my second favourite, I use it every day to blend out my crease colour. Again, I find the Sigma range of eye makeup brushes to be the best I've tried to date. I think I will be using these Sigma brushes forever! :)

• elf eyelash curler

I bought this eyelash curler in February after retiring one that I had used for too many years to count. It works well and does the job that is needed.

• Revlon Lip Butter 'Candy Apple'

As you might know I'm loving the Revlon Lip Butters - having about 6 colours in my collection. After 'Berry Smoothie' and 'Lollipop' (pinks) this is my favourite (red) from the colour selection. They provide a suprising amount of colour to the lips and give that 'juicy' look to lips. Even though we are approaching the end of  winter (thankfully) I have still been fighting the 'chapped-lips-demon' that looms in the chillier months. Although you may have to reapply every few hours depending if you're eating/drinking, the Lip Butters keep my lips in great condition. 

• Maybelline Baby Lips 'Peppermint'

I love anything minty and this lip balm sure gives that minty punch! I really do adore the cute packaging of the Maybelling Baby Lips range! It feels sturdy and makes that reassuring click-to-close sound so you know it's not going to get damaged if you carry it in your handbag like I do. 

 Hair / Body Products

• TRESemme 'Heat Tamer Protective Spray'

I have to admit I am guilty of sometimes neglecting this step in my daily hair care routine, but not anymore! I've been using this product for about 8 weeks now and I can notice that my hair is stronger and thicker at the ends - where breakage would normally occur. I put this down to not using as much heat styling tools and of course, this product. It smells divine and is a pleasure to spritz onto my hair.

• L'Oreal Paris 'Elnett Satin - Normal Strength'

I love the light-weight feeling of this hairspray. It almost gives a volumising feeling to my hair, nothing like the traditional helmet feeling that hairspray sometimes leaves. I'm a big fan of the Elnett range of hair sprays, and I would definitely repurchase.

• EVO 'the great hydrator moisture mask'

First of all, I love the feeling this brand brings to its user. Just read the little blurb written on the packaging:

'this product is like a patient friend, gently combing out the knots in 

your hair with a thousand strokes of a brush while another friend 

lays petals upon the ground to soften your walk to the morning bus.'

This product smells fantastic - slightly floral with a hint of that 'baby powder' scent. Works like a dream, in fact I think it is the best hair mask I've used. Better yet, this product is Australian made & owned. I'm sold!

• Nivea 'Rich Nourishing Body Moisturiser - Dry Skin'

I enjoy using this moisturiser on my legs in winter. I hate having dry skin and I'm quickly becoming a bit of a moisturiser addict. In my opinion, it does give a slightly greasy (I hate to use that word) feeling to my legs after use. Normally I would loathe this anywhere else but on my legs I actually quite like it.  

• The Body Shop 'Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream'

This little gem featured in my 'May 2012 Favourites' which can been seen HERE . This is a light daily moisturiser which is great for oil control, and leaves a fresh feeling to the skin. 

• Le Tan 'Daily Glow Moisturising Body Lotion - with SPF15'

I started using this product last year for a gradual natural looking tan and that's exactly what it gives. It smells delicious - like cocoa butter/chocolate. It takes me around 3-5 day of application to see a notable tan developing - like it states,  it is gradual. Works great as an overall body moisturiser as well, its very moisturising.

• Dr Lewinn's 'Hand & Nail Cream'

I use this to moisturise my hands every night before bed (as a part of my nightly 'grandma' routine) It's very nourishing and non-greasy to touch. It has a pleasant floral scent. I will be sad when I finish this product.

• Garnier 'Invisi Mineral Deodorant' 

I just finished this product and would definitely repurchase. First of all, I love the packaging! It has a slight but not overpowering floral scent, and doesn't leave white marks. I don't know about '48hr non-stop protection' though, who wears deodorant this long?! Good product, try this one.

• LUSH 'It's Raining Men' Shower Gel/Shampoo

Honey honey honey! This month I've been using it as both a body wash and a shampoo for those days I want to add extra shine to my hair and also switch up my shampoo. If you haven't tried this product, please go into your nearest LUSH and at least give it a sniff. It's heavenly! 

What are your favourite products for July/August?

Feel free to comment below and if you would like please leave a link to your 'favourites' style posts!

Also, I just wanted to note and apologise for the pictures in this blog post. I have been playing with camera settings recently and realise these pictures aren't the best quality. Sorry, it's a work in progress, like most things in life! :)


Have a beautiful day!

x.k.

June 2012 Favourites

Hi everyone,

The month of June just flew by so fast didn't it? Admittedly I probably say this every month but it felt even more so for the month of June. So here we are, well into July and my birthday is only a few weeks away! This fills me with dread excitement at being another year the wiser :)

In June I have consciously tried to simplify my beauty routine as I've found constantly switching up products does me no favours. I've been really happy with the routine so far and have been enjoying all the products that I've included in my June 2012 Favourites.

Let me know your recommendations for the month of June, or your experiences with any of these products. I always love to hear from you!

 Body Products

(L-R/ T-B)

• PALMER'S Cocoa Butter Formula Purifying Mask
• Bio Oil
• NIVEA Daily Essentials Fragrance Free Facial Cleansing Wipes
• LUCAS' Pawpaw Ointment
• NIVEA Daily Essentials Regenerating Night Cream
• THE BODY SHOP Strawberry Body Polish
• KERASTASE Nectar Thermique
• BIORE Face Strips
• L'OREAL PARIS Perfect Clean Gentle Scrub + cleanPod

 

Makeup Products

(L-R - T-B)

• REVLON Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie
• REVLON Lip Butter in Cherry Tart
• MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo
• LANCOME Juicy Tubes
• BELLA PIERE Face Primer
• MAYBELLINE Master Precise Liquid Liner
• MAYBELLINE One By One Volume Mascara
• MAYBELLINE Instant Age Rewind Concealer in Light/Fair
• ESSENCE Nail Art Express Dry Drops
• ESSIE Nail Polish in Knockout Pout
• RIMMEL Wake Me Up Foundation in True Ivory
• VERSACE Blonde Perfume
• RIMMEL Stay Matte Powder
• MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Northern Light 

Sorry I haven't elaborated on each product this month. Do prefer a short and sweet favourites like this or more commentary/opinions on the products?

What are your favourite products for the month of June? Feel free to comment below and if you want leave a link to your 'favourites' posts. Have a beautiful day!

x.k.

NOTD - Titanium Snow Blast

Hi everyone,

Here's a quick Nail Of The Day post using- L’Oreal PARIS ‘Resist & Shine – Titanium’ in 737 &

Sally Hansen ‘Crackle Overcoat’ in 01 Snow Blast.

                                                  L’Oreal PARIS ‘Resist & Shine – Titanium

                                           Sally Hansen ‘Crackle Overcoat’ in 01 Snow Blast

After layering the Sally Hansen Crackle overcoat on top of the near black polish these are the results:

 

I've found Sally Hansen Crackle polishes do a good job at giving the crackle effect. Although, I have found their consistency in comparison to OPI Shatter polishes quite thick and with a longer drying time overall.

Have you tried any of the Crackle effect polishes?

Take care,

x.k.

May 2012 Favourites

Hi everyone,

It's that time again, a new month! Therefore, it's time to ponder over some favourite and most used products for the month of May.

I have quite a few different items from beauty to body products this month. Let me know your recommendations, or your experiences with these products. I would love to hear your opinions.

MAKEUP PRODUCTS

(L-R & clockwise)

Rimmel Lasting Finish Nail Polish in Lemon Drop - In my opinion my favourite pastel yellow. As you can see from my nail colours I have been trying to hold onto the summer colour palette. It's now time to transition to winter colours! But nothing really beats brights to lighten my mood :)

Australis Nail Colour in Bombshell. A very opaque blue toned pink. This is a fantastic colour and I enjoy the packaging of Australis nail colours.

Australis Nail Colour in Sweetpea - I adore this colour so much! It's such a fresh colour and looks beautiful against tan skin. I used this colour in a NOTD post a while back- check it out to see what it looks like on :)

Revlon Colourstay Foundation in 150 Chamois/Buff - My Holy Grail foundation. I cannot imagine not having this foundation in my collection. It is a full coverage foundation with a satin/matte finish. It's buildable for those days that you feel more coverage is needed. Although, at the moment I have been sheering the coverage out by mixing it with one pump of Rimmel's Wake Me Up Foundation.

Dolly Wink Eyelashes- I heard great things about this Asian makeup/accessories company and the great quality of their lashes. I have to say I was not disappointed - they are well made (not flimsy) and the quality is most definitely there.

Urban Decay Naked Palette - Need I say more?! I'm sure you've already read about this beauty product. After many months of lusting over this product I finally purchased it and I'm so impressed by the colour selection and quality. Truly amazing, and I've recommended it to all my friends. I even bought one for my mum, that's how much I love this product.  

Urban Decay Primer Potion Original - I received this as a part of the UD Naked Palette and I have been really enjoying this product. As it is a mini I have almost finished it. Although, I've loved the product I don't think I would repurchase as I would much rather invest in another MAC Paint Pot, perhaps Soft Ochre. I think Paint Pots are much longer lasting.

L'Oreal Paris Matte Morphose Foundation - I've nearly finished this foundation and have really enjoyed it. It goes on light-as-air and it's also buildable. It's easy to apply with fingers and dries to a matte finish, like the name suggests. Highly recommend for a 'no trouble to apply foundation'.

MAC Lipstick in Angel - My favourite lipstick when you want a nude/muted pink colour that isn't going to drain the life from your face. It can always be brightened up my applying a gloss topcoat as well.

(L-R)

MAC Eyeshadow in Star Violet - A stunning 'earth-touched-pinky-brown-plum-fusion'. Great all over lid colour or to warm the crease.

MAC Eyeshadow in Phloof! - I find myself using this eyeshadow almost everyday as either a brow highlight colour or to brighten the inner corner of the eyes. It's described by MAC as a 'frosted-off-white'.

ELF Cool Bronzer - I had never used ELF products until I bought a few items from their website in February. This bronzer is great value at $9.99 and it's divided into a quadrant of 4 matte cool colours.

ELF Blush & Contour -I saw this mentioned numerously in other people's blog posts and decided that I needed to try this little gem. I adore the packaging as it looks kind of 'NARS-esque'. The blush in the compact is a gorgeous pink coral which reminds me of Peachykeen by MAC. A great combo product.

ELF Blusher in Candid Coral - A cute little blusher that gives a peachy glow to cheeks. Slight shimmer.

Rimmel GLAM EYES Mascara -I've really enjoyed this product. It's quite a 'dry' mascara which I prefer as opposed to wet mascara's. If you haven't seen this mascara I recommend you have a look in store. It has two styles of application - one for volume and one for length. Although, I find I only use the volume wand.

Nivea Tinted Moisturising Day Cream -This is a product that I wear most days when I'm not going for a full coverage look. It's light but still offers enough coverage for my face - really love this one.

MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study -I use this Paintpot as an all over lid and highlight base colour. I find it makes any eyeshadow more vibrant and increases the staying power significantly. Love this product!

Lancome Juicy Tubes in Watermelon - A super-glossy lightly sweet-scented lip gloss. I love this alone or paired with any lipcolour. I received this in one of my Lust Have It boxes - a fantastic lip gloss!

MAC Mineralise Skinfinish - Another HOLY GRAIL product of mine. This is a seriously amazing and multipurpose product that I cannot imagine not having. It can be used as a setting powder, blotting powder or as a foundation (if you like a matte finish). If you enjoy the coverage of mineral foundation without the hassle of loose powders, this one is for you!

Sigma Marilyn Retractable Kabuki Brush - I think this retractable brush from Sigma is my favourite brush I own from Sigma. It's SUPER SOFT and the portability factor is a major plus. Great for applying mineral foundation, setting powder or even blush on the go.

    

 

 SPECIAL MENTION PRODUCT

 

Maybelline New York 'Instant Age Rewind' Eraser Dark Circles. 

This product is amazing and very unique when compared to any other under-eye concealer on the market at the moment. The product claims to:

"create a radiant, refreshed looking eye area. Super concentrated formula with goji berry + haloxyl helps to erase the appearance of dark circles and fine lines, while visibly diminishing the appearance of puffiness around the eyes."

I will do a review with swatches on the blog soon as I think this product deserves a write up. If you have tried this one, let me know what you think! 

BODY PRODUCTS

Front row (L-R)

• John Freida Highlight Activating Enhancing Conditioner
• John Freida Highlight Activating Moisturising Shampoo
• Cussons Original Source Mint & Tea Tree Shower Gel
• Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser
• Girlz Only Haircare Dry Shampoo

Back row (L-R)

• Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil
• LUSH It's Raining Men Shower Gel 
• Nivea 3 in 1 Waterproof Makeup Remover
• LUSH Tea Tree Water 
• Davroe Hair Wellness Tame Lemongrass Detangler
  
• The Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream
• LUSH Northern Lights Soap (Limited Edition Christmas 2011)

• LUSH Tea Tree Water - This is the first toner-type product I've used from LUSH and I have nothing bad to say at all. I love that it pumps out in a mist so you can spray on as a toner or a refresher throughout the day. Not highly scented and gentle on my sensitive skin.

•  Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser -This has been my nightly cleanser for about 4-5 months now and as the name says it's Ultra-Calming. I will be sad when I finish this cleanser, will definitely repurchase.

• The Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream - I bought this product after it was recommended to me by a girlfriend. It has a gel like consistency even though it's called a cream. It has a clean scent, and feels light on the skin. I found no problems with my foundation blending on top of this moisturiser.

•  Nivea 3 in 1 Waterproof Makeup Remover - I have super sensitive eyes. I'm not sure if it's another product I've used in the past that has affected me but my eyes just seem more sensitive these days. Now that I've found that this product works for me I'm sticking with it. It's really gentle and doesn't leave any residue behind after removing eye makeup. I initially tried the more fluid blue NIVEA eye makeup remover but it made my eyes sting badly. So if you are like me, try this one. It's great!

• Cussons Original Source Mint & Tea Tree Shower Gel - This is the most minty shower gel I've ever experienced. If your not a fan or mint - stay away, but for fans of this you will be in love with this shower gel. You can pick it up in any supermarket or Priceline and it's really affordable. I got this on special for $1.99 but I think it's usually around the $4 mark.

• LUSH Northern Lights Soap (Limited Edition Christmas 2011) - A great little soap I picked up last year at Christmas time. Nothing amazing to smell. It's a fresh scent, but I just LOVE the colour - it makes me happy. I have it sitting at my handbasin for washing hands etc. If it sits in water for a while it makes this fluro liquid - it makes me think of alien blood or something out of Men In Black!

• LUSH It's Raining Men Shower Gel - This scent is HEAVEN! If you buy only one thing from LUSH this has to be it. It smells of honey and flowers and is very moisturising to the skin. I found out when purchasing that it's multi-purpose, doubling as a body wash and hair shampoo. So good!

• Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil - Smells like chocolate / cocoa. Need I say more? This is a beautiful product, especially for dry winter skin. Great applied straight after showering and let sink into the skin - amazing! You skin will thank you for it :)

• John Freida Highlight Activating Moisturising Shampoo - I'm not really sure if it is Highlight Activating but I find this works well with my blonde hair. I got back to John Frieda Sheer Blonde products quite often.

• John Freida Highlight Activating Enhancing Conditioner - I find this conditioner is fantastic at nourishing dry/ or chemically treated hair. A very creamy consistency but doesn't weigh my hair down with residue. 

• Girlz Only Haircare Dry Shampoo - I bought the entire range (3 varying scents) of this dry shampoo at the beginning of the year at Target. They were on special for $1 each- so I thought I couldn't go wrong at that price. This 'Party Nights' scent is my favourite, but it may too be highly scented for some so I suggest to try these in store.

• Davroe Hair Wellness Tame Lemongrass Detangler - I received this in my Lust Have It box earlier in the year and ABSOLUTELY LOVE this product. I have just run out of this mini version and will be purchasing the full size. The lemongrass scent is delicious and I find it super-nourishing for my hair especially when heat styling.

What are your favourite products for the month of May? Feel free to comment below and if you want leave a link to your 'favourites' posts.

 

x.k.

'Erudite' Photoshoot

Hi everyone,

So a few weekends ago I was lucky enough to be involved with a photo shoot undertaken by my good friend Matt from Matt James Photography. This photo shoot was Matt's next installment for his 'Divergent' photo series. It's a fantasy photo series inspired by the factions within the book, Divergent, by Veronica Roth. Our mutual friend Bridget was the model for this shoot and was representing 'Erudite', the intelligent and knowledgeable faction, you can read more about this here. Here is the final product!

I had such an fantastic time with this shoot as I was able to employ different learnt makeup techniques that I would not normally use on a day-to-day basis. It was an incredibly enjoyable artistic experience and a joy to be surrounded by another like-minded creative mind. I had a lot of fun with this shoot and believe I was able contribute (from the makeup/hair side of things) to encapsulate Matt's vision for the shoot!

I was able to pull from my collection the products a hues that were desired by the photographer for the shoot. Knowing the complexion and hair type of the model beforehand was also of great help as I was able to colour-match foundations/ concealers and bring appropriate hair styling tools/ products.

I began by first discussing colour palettes and the desired look for the model with Matt and from here away we go.

Special assistant for the day - Luna the kitty cat

1) The model started with a freshly cleansed face with moisturiser applied and allowed to settle. I then applied a foundation mattifying primer, Formula 10.0.6 Serioulsy Shine Free Mattifying Oil-Free Moisturiser with Aloe Vera + Bamboo. This helped the skin keep a matte-finish that is smooth and shine free.

2) Then using my Sigma Foundation F60 Brush I applied Revlon Colourstay Makeup in 150 Buff. This was a perfect colour match for the model and provides a medium to high coverage - perfect for photography.

3) Using my Sigma Concealer F70 Brush I applied Maybelline New York's Instant Age Rewind Under eye concealer in Light. This concealer is fantastic for that extra coverage and also serves as a lifting and brightening product for the eyes. I then swept a light layer of Models Prefer Professional Mineral Foundation in Light 01 with my Sigma Large Powder F30 Brush to complete the foundation. For a contour it was decided to keep this fairly minimal therefore I used my Sigma Large Angled Contour F40 Brush to create a natural contour to the cheekbones, forehead and jawline using e.l.f Bronzed Bronzing Powder.

4) To add extra highlight to the models face where the light would naturally hit I applied Revlon Skinlights Face Illuminator in 03 Peach Light with my fingertips. Over top of this lotion I applied MAC Silver Dusk Loose Powder with my Sigma Tapered Blending E40 Brush. These two products work amazing together and provide a heavenly illuminated glow to the cheeks, nose and forehead.

5) After it was decided to add a slight flush of colour to the cheeks so a small amount of Maybelline Mineral Power Naturally Luminous Blush in Gentle Pink was applied to the apples of the cheeks.

6) The eyeshadow base used was MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study. A shimmery champagne opalescent hue, applied from eyelid to brow bone. Then applied over the entire lid and under the eye towards the cheekbone was a very white pearlescent colour from my Collette Palette mixed in with MAC Eyeshadow in Phloof! (frost) Followed by MAC Shimmermoss Eyeshadow (veluxe pearl) onto the lid. In the corner of the eye I placed MAC Parfait Amour (Frost) along with a fuchsia pink from my Collette Pallette and blended them out. Under the eye I applied a Sapphire blue and deep navy blue to create depth and blended these out also. For all eye colours I used my Sigma eyeshadow brushes: Eye shading E55 and Blending E25 Brushes.

 7) Bright blue eyeliner was applied to both upper and lower lash-lines. For this I used Revlon Colourstay Liquid Liner Liquide in Royal. The eyelashes were then curled with my e.l.f Lash Curler and a generous coat of  Rimmel LONDON Glam Eyes Day 2 Night Mascara was applied to both upper and lower lash-lines. 

8) The brows were kept quite natural with a small amount of pencil used to fill-in and elongate the brow. For this I used Australis Eyebrow Pencil in Light Brown & Urban Decay Naked Palette with the colour Naked.

9) The lips were definitely a focal point for the look of this shoot - being bright royal blue in colour. For this a theatrical lipstick colour was used to create the desired look. 

10) Over top of the colour was applied Lancome Paris Juicy Wear Sheer Gloss. This acts as a seal and shine top coat to the lips.

11) To achieve the hairstyle a GHD Straightener was used to create loose curls falling away from the face. L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray (Normal Strength) was used to keep everything in place. The fringe was blow dried using a Goldwell Ceramic Rounded Brush to help create height as the fringe was covering the eyes. A liberal amount of hairspray was then used to mold a rounded shape to the fringe, giving the model a futuristic/edgy look.

12) As a final touch Toni & Guy Shine Gloss Serum was used to define curls and create added gloss to the hair.

Here are some pictures of the final result:

I just had to post the following photo as it encapsulates the gravity-defying fringe that was created. Also, apologies for the electric vibrancy in this photo, I couldn't resist highlighting that bright red hair :

Overall, I had a great day with Matt from Matt James Photography and Bridget (model). If you're on Facebook please head on over to Matt's Fanpage and click LIKE :) Matt has 3 more shoots in his Divergent series, I can't wait to see what he comes up with!

Here are a few behind the scenes shots that were taken on the day:

Great team! Myself, Bridget & Matt.

Would love to hear what you think :)

talk soon,

x.k.